By Insight PostUganda
Karamoja-Uganda
A dramatic incident unfolded Saturday in the vast and rugged landscape of Karamoja, as a Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) helicopter encountered a death-defying ordeal.
The air forces’ MI 24 (Gun Ship) registration number AF 822, experienced a crash landing during routine operations in the Karamoja sub-region, falling under the responsibility of the esteemed 3rd division.
As the news of the accident rapidly circulated, a sense of dread gripped people’s hearts, fearing the worst for the crew and passengers onboard. But the pilot and the other three crew members survived mysteriously.
The crash transpired near the peaceful village of Nadiket, a remote settlement nestled just 5.3 kilometres to the west of Moroto barracks in Loptuk Sub County, Moroto district.
A shiver ran down the spines of those who followed the unfolding events as they listened to the account of the incident shared in a Sunday statement by Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson for UPDF.
Yet, even amidst the chaos of the crash site, there was a beacon of relief – all crew members, including the pilot, emerged from the wreckage unscathed.
The skill and composure of the helicopter’s pilot, coupled with the efforts of the aircrew, proved instrumental in averting a potential tragedy.
Amidst the remote and rugged terrain, the crew managed to secure the crash site promptly, allowing necessary measures to be taken for further investigation and management.
The resilience of the UPDF team and the safe survival of all onboard served as a testament to the training, preparedness, and determination exhibited by those who serve their nation from the skies above.
According to Kulayigye, the UPDF Air Force’s technical team of experts is diligently investigating the incident to ascertain the cause and circumstances that resulted in the aircraft’s crash landing.
“The UPDF leadership in the region earnestly appeals to the members of the surrounding community to refrain from accessing the scene of the crash landing,” he says, noting that their cooperation in maintaining a safe distance from the site is crucial to ensure the integrity of the investigation and the safety of all involved.
The region has witnessed a series of unfortunate incidents in the past, with previous crashes often attributed to both poor mechanical conditions of the aircraft and adverse weather conditions.
In September 2022, a tragic event unfolded in eastern DR Congo when an unspecified number of UPDF soldiers were feared dead after the Army’s Mi-17 helicopter crashed.
Another incident occurred on September 24, 2022, when a UPDF’s MI-24 Gunship crashed near Saaka Airfield in Fort Portal city, Kabalore district, Western Uganda, fortunately without any fatalities recorded.
In a sombre event on February 11, 2021, Capt Carol Busingye lost her life in a military aircraft crash near Entebbe International Airport.
Another heart-wrenching incident occurred in January 2020, when a UPDF jet ranger crashed in Butambala district, claiming the lives of Maj Naomi Kalungi and Cadet pilot Benon Wakola.
All these incidents serve as touching reminders of the risks and challenges faced by those who bravely serve their country in the skies, and highlight the importance of continuous efforts to enhance safety and maintenance measures in aerial operations.
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